Jewellery Arabia in Bahrain

Want evidence that the economy is back on track? Head down to Jewellery Arabia, the Gulf’s premier gem trading event

By
Jane Millard
26 October 2009

In ancient times, prosperous traders from afar could be found in the bustling souqs of Bahrain eagerly seeking the oceanic pearls that grew in its waters, earning it the title the Pearl of the Persian Gulf. Thousands of years later, Bahrain is still highly regarded for its trade in precious gems and from November 17 to 21 of November the Jewellery Arabia exhibition will once again bring world’s focus back on to Bahrain. Now in its 18th year, it is hailed as one of the top five jewellery exhibitions in the world, after Basel in Switzerland and Vicenza in Italy.

Exhibitors from all four corners of the globe are on waiting lists in the hope they will be allocated a site at the annual exhibition, and the management of Jewellery Arabia has resorted to using portable halls in the car park of the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BEIC), in an attempt to accommodate the demand. From prestigious international jewellers such as Audemars Piguet, Graff Diamonds and De Beers, to local jewellers who will be launching their latest designs, the exhibition presents a glittering international showcase of fine jewellery and accessories.

The BEIC venue offers three main halls. Hall 1 will present the internationally renowned brands, master jewellers and watchmakers exhibiting their latest range. Bahrain Jewellery Centre and Asia Jewellers will house many of these brands: Chopard’s Haute–Joaillerie Collection, most often associated with pieces adorning famous actresses during red carpet occasions; Cartier’s Santos 100 skeleton watch, featuring the 9611 MC Calibre movement; and the latest designs from Harry Winston, Panerai, Hublot and many more. Halls 2 & 3 will house local and lesser known brands hoping to make it onto the international stage.

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Marketing and PR Manager, Mohammed Saidi, from Al Zain Jewellery explains, ‘The exposure we gain at Jewellery Arabia is important in many areas. We invite our clients in the region to the exhibition as we launch our new range and we also create designs specifically for the occasion. It’s also an opportunity for the wholesale purchasing of precious stones. We manufacture and design our jewellery in Bahrain and custom-made designs will be another component that we’ll offer during the exhibition. We will have a unique collection of diamond sets.’

Some designs are created for the style and taste of the Middle East region, with a range of stunning creations using large gems in high quality settings. Prices tend to start at about US$1000 (BD377) climbing to amounts that are relative to the collection. The creativity in the designs and the quality and size of the gems are a spectacle not to be missed. International jewellery brands will initially present prototypes for their upcoming collections in March in Basel, with many houses launching the new range at Jewellery Arabia in November.

Jewellery Arabia is an important vehicle for jewellers in the region, enabling them to present their designs to the world and handle much of their wholesale trade without the time and expense of travel. Exhibitors are able to make new alliances and interact with partners, spending time with the competition and being influenced by world trends. It attracts buyers from Europe, Asia and the Gulf region. Orders are placed with leading international brands with wholesalers and retailers using the exhibition to buy the bulk of the jewellery for their shops.

A laboratory will be set up on site by the Directorate of Gems and Pearls offering testing for the authentication of gems. Certificates will be provided but they can only judge on quality – price is negotiated with the seller. The Directorate of Industrial Property will also be providing international copyright certificates for verification of jewellery design.

The security for the event will be very tight with the Ministry of the Interior working closely with a number of private companies in and around the location. Attendance to the exhibition is by invitation. For general admission, one will need to leave a business card and be registered on entry. If you don’t have a business card and are keen to attend you can contact the organisers at Arabian Exhibition Management who are happy to assist with invitations.Contact Arabian Exhibition Management, 17 550 033. Alternatively, visit www.aeminfo.com.bh.